'Detropia': PBS airs powerful Detroit doc

May 24, 2013
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PBS airs the documentary 'Detropia' May 27. / YouTube

by Whitney Matheson, USA TODAY

by Whitney Matheson, USA TODAY

In 1930 Detroit was the fastest growing city in the world. Today it's the fastest-shrinking city, with families fleeing every day.

That's one of the sobering facts shared in Detropia, the powerful 2012 documentary about the once-thriving Motor City. Though the economy has affected all of us, what has happened to Detroit is particularly dramatic and shocking.

Directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, Detropia is beautifully shot and devastating to watch. The filmmakers talk to citizens who feel like they're being forced out of the city they once loved. They meet politicians who are unsure how to bring Detroit back to life. They also tour abandoned buildings that now litter the city.

Here's a clip that illustrates the demolition that goes on every day:

And while all of this sounds pretty dire, we do see a beacon of light in Detropia; mainly, it comes from the passionate people who love their city and are willing to get creative in order to help it thrive again.

I highly recommend the film, which airs as part of PBS' Independent Lens series May 27 at 10 p.m. ET. You can also stream it on Netflix.